Syria, July17,2025
Israel continues its airstrikes on Syrian military forces, with its air force targeting and destroying armored vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with machine guns near the Druze-majority city of Sweida.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes are part of an ongoing operation in southern Syria, specifically targeting Syrian government forces. In a statement released on Saturday, the IDF also shared fresh footage of the attacks, showing military bases and vehicles being hit.
Sources say the latest airstrikes targeted military convoys moving towards Sweida — a city currently witnessing intense clashes and known as a stronghold of the Druze community. The IDF stated that not only were military vehicles destroyed, but also Syrian army checkpoints, arms depots, and other strategic installations in the region.
Rising Tensions in Sweida
Tensions in Sweida have escalated recently, with frequent clashes reported between Druze civilians and government forces. Israel has defended the strikes as acts of self-defense, citing increased Syrian and Iranian activity near its borders as a significant threat.
Earlier this week, Israel also released video footage of a missile strike on a Syrian military headquarters. The video shows a massive explosion as the missile hits its target, reducing the building to rubble within seconds. The scale of destruction suggests the missile carried a powerful payload, with debris thrown several feet into the air.
Why Did Israel Launch the Strikes?
Israel claims that Syrian forces have been committing atrocities against the Druze population. Reports indicate that over 300 Druze civilians have been killed in clashes with Syrian troops. Israel says the strikes were aimed at halting these alleged human rights violations and preventing further aggression.
Amid these developments, an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council has been convened today to discuss the rising conflict in the region.
